What's the latest thinking on overflows?

[tonyespinoza]

It seems logical to me that the calfo-style overflow would do the best possible job of shipping the top layer of water down to the sump. But I've seen some beautiful and very successful large systems (e.g., elos, ching's TOTM) that employ extremely high flow/turn-over and have minimal if non-existent overflow systems. (Ching simply has a bulkhead below the waterline.)

So I'm considering going with an Elos style corner overflow for a large 366g display. I'm running two Bubble King skimmers since the system volume is 700g. There will be a huge amount of flow provided by a red dragon II closed loop.

I'd be interested in hearing any arguments to the contrary before I commit myself to this path. I can understand the theory behind why a huge overflow would be "better" but in practice, I'm not convinced and would rather opt for the improved aesthetics of a minimal implementation of the BeanAnimal overflow system.

Thoughts?

 

[cardiffgiant]

I've had the beananimal style overflow going for 2 months now and it rocks. Super quiet, and I've only adjusted the valves once.

 

[tonyespinoza]

Yeah, I prototyped it on another tank and def think it's the way to go! And with the awesome throughput, I am thinking a smaller "overflow" will prob work fine.